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What You Need to Know About Florida Bicycle Laws

Posted on Nov 18, 2016 9:27am PST

Riding bicycles has been a preferred method of transportation and exercise
for many residents of the Sunshine State for decades. Like drivers, bicyclists
share some of the same legal rights and responsibilities when riding in
order to safely share the roads with other vehicles. Whether you are looking
to ditch your car in favor of a two-wheeler or are simply looking to go
out for a leisurely morning ride, it is important you obey all Florida
bike laws to minimize your risk of being injured in a collision.

Bikes Are Considered Vehicles in Florida

Though they lack a motor, bicycles are still classified as vehicles under
Florida law. This means that bicyclists have the exact same right to use
the roadways as any other motorist, as well as the right to expect others
to exercise caution and operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Likewise,
bicyclists must obey all of the same traffic laws, including yielding
right-of-way, stopping at stop signs and red lights, riding in the same
direction as traffic, and using lights at night.

Under Florida Statutes Section 316, bicyclists must:

Obey all traffic signals and controls

Have a fixed, regular seat for riding

Ride with no more passengers than for which the bike was designed

Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times

Ensure children obey all provisions

Have their bike equipped with a brake capable of stopping within 25 feet
on dry, level, and clean pavement while traveling at 10 miles per hour

Have proper lamps and reflectors on the front and back of their bike

Ride as close to the right curb as possible except when passing, making
a left turn, when travelling at the same speed as traffic, when a lane
is too narrow to safely share, or when necessary to avoid hazards.

Use hand signals to indicate turns

Can Cyclists Ride on the Sidewalk?

Yes. While cyclists are considered vehicles, many prefer to ride on sidewalks
because they feel uncomfortable sharing the roadways. Cyclists who ride
on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk have the same responsibilities as pedestrians
and must yield right-of-way to other pedestrians. However, riding on sidewalks
may be prohibited by certain local governments.

Can Cyclists Ride with Headphones or Earbuds?

No. With the exception of hearing aids, Florida law prohibits bicyclists
from riding while using headphones, headsets, earbuds, or any other type
of listening devices. This is because audio distractions can reduce your
situational awareness and prevent you from being able to hear nearby hazards,
such as other vehicles and emergency sirens.

Injured? Call Our Coral Springs Bike Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, even the most careful and skilled cyclists cannot ever prepare
for the actions of a negligent driver. If you have been injured in a
bicycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason S. Goodman, P.A. today. Having been
fighting for the rights of injured clients throughout Florida for more
than 15 years, our
Coral Springs personal injury attorney can provide the compassionate and results-driven advocacy you need to
pursue maximum financial recovery.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.